The upside, the point of difference for all clubs is a clean slate, the chance of a new beginning. Improvement, consolidation, redemption are variables often sort after by clubs heading in, but given the unprecedented footy landscaspe of recent times, let me quote dual BFNL Premiership East Point Coach Jake Bridges who laconically parted with these words of wisdom above any KPI predictions - "How good is it - footy's back, we should be grateful just to be playing."

He's right - I get that, we're all rapt. But now it's game on. Good luck to your team and be sure to enjoy your local footy...we're on our way'.

This match is arguably the most intriguing of round one. While there's been plenty of hype around the projected improvement of Ballarat in 'the off', they must overcome a few damning stats if they're to get the job done. For one, the Swans have just the one win from their last nine in the 'East'. Two - despite three wins (all at home) over the Cobras in their last five meetings, the two losses (away) have been convincing to say the least, both 106 points. And three - Bacchus Marsh are a different proposition at home. Despite finishing outside the top six in their last two seasons, nine of the Cobras last 11 wins have come on Maddingley Park.

Swans Coach Joe Carmody will be hoping for a repeat of round one last season when his young team ran the Cobras off their legs, exposing them on the spread to win by 26 points. Weather permitting, 12 or 13 goals should be enough to win this game and both have the arsenal forward to get it done. How former AFL star Josh Gibson can marshall the troops will play a crucial role containing familiar Cobras duo Jake Owen and Aaron Willetts. On the flipside, 300 gamer Daniel Veldon is the firming favorite for the match up on dangerous Swans forward Andrew Hooper. Ezpect Swans newcomer Aiden Domic to join Sam James, Daniel Kennedy and Marcus Powling in the midfield to test a proven Cobras combo led by Daniel Burton, Nick Stuhldrier and Tom German who finished 1,2,3 in the clubs 2021 B&F.

Wide smiles for a job well done awaits the winner and the comforts that come with a 1-0 start of a new season. Contemplation and a scratch of the head will be all that's left for the losers to consume from a game both clubs thought they could win.

The Melton Derby returns to it's usual round one slot as the Panthers aim to upset their more fancied rival in front of a bumper home crowd. While the Bloods have featured prominently at the business end in more recent times, it will account for little today as Pritchards Panthers chase their first Derby win since 2017.

Last years season opener was a fiercely contested affair before Aaron Tymms' Bloods kicked away to win comfortably. In fairness to the Panthers they did lose two players (injury) in the opening minutes and finished without anyone on the bench. Today provides Pritchard's men with another shot at bragging rights. Let's not forget the Panthers beat all bar Melton in the 'East' last season, so don't expect Tymms miss the brief getting it done. The Bloods are very even across the ground, 'bat deep', and are recognised by rival coaches as one of the more organised teams going around. Expect Jack Walker, the Carter brothers, X factor forward Braeden Kight and a returning Mark Orr to play a huge hand in the Bloods chances, while the progression of Bailey Mawson and Jacob Hickey is exciting for the club.

Panthers leading forward Dylan Conway is a star, often takes the number 1,2 and sometimes third defender - all at once! While substantial gain in the ruck is likely for the Panthers with the arrival of Dylan Jones, look for the younger brigade (Jake Thornton-Gielen, Riley Theo, Cody Chapman, Mitch Fino etc) to start impacting games. Until then, Conway remains the obvious threat if there's to be any changing of the guard.

Sunbury will head to Mars Stadium minus a handful of players off their best 22 today to take on MaCartney's Minor Premiers of 2021. While the Lions are expected to contend again this year, I see today as a 'throw at the stumps' game for Coach Travis Hodgson and his Pride.

City again have had a solid preparation - surely their appetite for winning a 'full season' flag is primed as MaCartney tries to keep a lid on things. Expect City to start well and extend their run of first quarter wins to 11 (last year 10-0), setting up the perfect start of the new season. Sunbury will go hard early, Hodgson will be well aware of City's early dominance and will stress the importance of being in the game at the first break. Easier said than done. City train as they play and are fortunate to be a part of the MaCartney model.

If Josh Chatfield (Footscray VFL), Riley Polkinghorne (Geelong VFL) and Sam Glover (Collingwood VFL) are available for City, Sunbury's slim chances of victory will diminish even further. I'm tipping City on 'spec' to remain the yardstick of the competition and ask of Sunbury fans to be patient - you won't truly hit your straps until May.

Mounting a case for Darley to record their first win for Premiership points in 959 days was a much tougher ask a month ago. The 'Burra, desperate to feature at the business end as they did in 2019 will be hopeful of a correction on their recent pre season form.

At home, the 'Burra were beaten soundly by classy GFL outfit St Joeys (12 goals) and Ballarat (10 goals). Today looms the perfect opportunity to kickstart their season off on the right foot and employ lessons learned. The 'Burra should be hard to beat on any deck this year, let alone at home and will be keen to put this game to bed early. But their visitors today, Darley will have plans of their own.

Looking forward to seeing the adjustment of former Fremantle Docker Brett Bewley and Williamstown key forward NIck Rodda back to the level. New Devils Coach Dan Jordan said there were no guarantees on performance of any player returning from an elite program. But it's not a bad start! Reigning Henderson medalist Lachie Cassidy and returning Greater Western Rebel talent Jack Banbury will cause the Devils a few headaches of their own and loom the beneficiaries at ground level of a clear size advantage in the ruck. 'Burras fearless leader Tony Lockyer (hand) is unlikely to play.

Good Friday marks the stand alone meeting between Lake Wendouree and Redan. Very little separates these two heading in, a judgement made not solely on pre season form. The last four meetings are split 2-2 and finding a winner from the outside is purely on spec.

Both sides enjoyed encouraging performances in the lead up against quality opposition - South Warrnambool (Lakers lost by 3-4 goals) and South Bendigo (Redan won by 10 goals). The Lakers didnt do themselves any favours kicking 11 straight behinds before registering a major. On that note, the Lakers have had their struggles in the forward half lacking a genuine aerial target. Recent history suggests the Lakers are not short on inside 50 entries so it will be up to new coach Jack Fitzpatrick and his support crew to resolve change. The Lakers did beat Minor Premiers North Ballarat City last year, and were the only team to do so but they were loaded with (become) AFL draftees, a future star ruckman, the Lohmann brothers and fearless leader Ashley Simpson. All have since left the club bar Simpson (inj) who is almost certain to miss.

If Nick Rippon plays and teams up with the return of Scotty Carlin, the Lakers have to be some hope on their home deck but weight of expectation is with Redan. Lions coach Jarrett Giampaolo has spoken of the positive vibe around the club following an injection of youth over the Summer. While the Lions lost a wealth of experience, the reinforcements are said to be exciting, quick and prepared to take the game on. That may well be enough.